If a prescription's expiration date is listed as 12/2010, what is the precise expiration date?

The correct interpretation of a prescription's expiration date listed as 12/2010 indicates that the medication is valid until the end of December 2010. Specifically, pharmaceutical guidelines dictate that when a month and year are provided, the expiration is typically considered to be the last day of that month.

Therefore, for the given expiration date of 12/2010, the precise expiration date is December 31, 2010. This means that the medication can be used until that date, after which it is deemed expired and should not be dispensed or used. This practice ensures that patients receive medications that are safe and effective, aligning with proper pharmaceutical standards.

Understanding this concept is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it helps prevent the dispensing of medications that may no longer be safe for use, thereby ensuring adherence to safety guidelines and regulations within pharmacy practice.